Backwards inside edges are sometimes the most difficult to control but the “easiest to push into” Katrina says.
Using the blue line as a guide, Katrina demonstrates the process of aligning her head, bending the knee, doing the c-cut then stepping on an inside edge. Rotating the shoulders and looking toward the blue line is emphasized along with the shoulder needing to be aligned over the hip and knee.
Students could hold a hockey stick out in front of them to visually focus on rotating the shoulders if needed. This drill is an underspeed drill.
Common problems often seen are tipping forward or not bending enough at the ankle. If athletes are tipping forward, they can try this drill on two feet for stabilization with special emphasis on body alignment. If they aren’t bending enough, remind them to bend at the ankle (not just the knees) and look to see if their skate is tied tightly enough.
This is one of those drills that skaters find boring, so Katrina recommends keeping this short and returning to it later in the practice if necessary.
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